A decorated World War II veteran says he should not go to jail for being a drug mule because he has dementia and needed the money.
Leo Sharp, a drug runner called “old man” by colleagues, has admitted to smuggling more than 1,400 pounds of cocaine and other drugs from Arizona to points north.
He was arrested in 2011 after Michigan State Police nabbed him with more than 200 pounds of cocaine. He pleaded guilty last year.
The remorseful senior said “just kill me” when he confessed.
But his attorney has filed an 18-page sentencing memo, hoping to persuade a federal judge in Detroit that home confinement would make more sense for the Michigan City, Ind., man with dementia.
“He is a colorful, self-made, charitable man who has worked hard throughout his admirable, extraordinary and long life,” wrote lawyer Darryl Goldberg.
“Mr. Sharp made a monumental mistake at a moment of perceived financial weakness, and was exploited and threatened, but his conduct in this case was truly an aberration from a law-abiding life.”
“Mr. Sharp is dreadfully sorry,” his attorney said.
His sentencing is scheduled for May 7, his 90th birthday.
He fought in Italy during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star, Goldberg said.
With News Wire Services
